The KO test is a metric used to evaluate representation in film, specifically focusing on non-white female characters.
Understanding the KO Test
The KO test, named after writer and actor Naomi Ko, is a straightforward method to assess the presence of diverse female representation in movies. It checks for the following criteria:
- Non-White Female Character: The film must feature at least one female character who is not white.
- Significant Speaking Role: This character needs to speak in five or more different scenes.
- English Language: The character must speak English in the scenes.
Table Summarizing KO Test Criteria
| Criterion | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Character Race | Must be a female character who is not white |
| Speaking Scenes | Must speak in five or more scenes |
| Language | Must speak in English |
Purpose of the KO Test
- Highlight Representation: The test helps to quickly gauge whether a film has made an effort to include non-white female voices.
- Simple Assessment: It provides a simple standard that can be easily applied by viewers and film critics.
- Focus on Visibility: It highlights the importance of not only including diverse characters but also giving them a meaningful presence in the narrative.
How to Use the KO Test
- Identify Non-White Female Characters: Watch the movie and note any non-white female characters.
- Track Speaking Scenes: Observe how many scenes these characters speak in.
- Verify the Language: Check if the dialogue is in English.
- Determine Compliance: If the character speaks in five or more English-speaking scenes, the film passes the KO test for that character.
Why the KO Test Matters
- Address Imbalance: It addresses historical imbalances in representation where non-white female characters are often marginalized or completely absent.
- Encourage Inclusivity: It encourages filmmakers to prioritize inclusivity by creating roles that meet the KO test criteria.
- Promote Diverse Storytelling: It facilitates the telling of more diverse and nuanced stories, benefiting both the creators and the audience.
By utilizing the KO test, viewers can promote an inclusive cinematic landscape that represents the diversity of the real world. This easy-to-use metric is a step towards more equitable representation in film.
